Abstract

Two cases of carcinoid tumor of the uterine cervix were reported with emphasis on the histologic, cytologic, histochemical and electron microscopic appearance of tumor cells. Based on the light microscopic findings, one case was a well differentiated carcinoid with acinus formation, and the other was a poorly differentiated anaplastic type, being composed of small cells similar to those of oat cell carcinoma of the lung. Both tumors demonstrated scattered argyrophilic cells on Grimelius stain, and contained neurosecretory granules on electron microscopy. They were in stages II b and IV, respectively, at the time of presentation. The latter patient was treated with vinblastin, platinol and bleomycin, but died in 9 months after the initial diagnosis. The former was lost to follow-up study. Importance of distinction between this highly malignant tumor and other varieties of cervical cancer was emphasized.

• Keywords: Uterine cervix;Small cell carcinoma;Carcinoid;Argyrophil cell carcinoma;Neuroendocrine carcinoma